Challenges and Choices

Life is difficult. For some, getting out of bed each morning can be a struggle. Overcoming addiction of any sort is a moment-by-moment obstacle. Watching those you love get sick or pass away is devastating. Listening to the evening news is discouraging and frustrating. Living joyfully is a challenge and not a natural, human response to living in a world full of negativity and brokenness.

Earlier this week, I’d spent a couple of hours at the car wash scrubbing the bugs off the outside and then detailing the inside, as the road trip was beginning to take its toll on my poor vehicle. I woke up this morning to find that I had apparently forgotten to lock my car, which had been ransacked overnight. I lost a Macbook and a few other smaller items, but the car seems to be unscathed and I am safe. Shaken, I reported the crime but quickly realized nothing could be done. I cried, prayed, then poured myself a Diet Coke and continued reading a novel. Choosing joy is a challenge.

Yesterday, I found a nearby Subaru dealer to change the oil in my car, and they discovered I had a nail in a tire. Initially frustrated and worried that I’d have to buy a couple of new tires, I was relieved when the tire was still in great shape and just needed to be repaired. As I was driving away from the repair shop, I was so thankful that the mechanic noticed the nail, helping me to avoid a potential catastrophe while driving on the highway pulling a trailer. Choosing joy is a challenge.

Last week, I woke up early to an ambulance across the street from where I was staying. The 36-year-old man died from what appears to have been a drug overdose. A few days later, the man’s fiance was taken away by ambulance as well. We live in a fallen world where choosing joy is a challenge.

I am regularly asked how much older I am than my brother and sister when I am actually five and six years younger. Throughout this road trip, I’ve been offered senior citizen discounts. Folks inquire about my career and have assumed I am retired. After falling UP a flight of concrete stairs recently, I understand why I may appear much older; however, I may arrive home later this summer with newly dyed hair because growing older is hard enough without folks thinking I’m fifteen years older than I am. Growing old gracefully and choosing joy is a challenge.

I left Colorado for this adventure on what should have been my 28th wedding anniversary. Recently, a friend told me that he wished I would get to the point one day when certain dates would go unnoticed and become just another number on the calendar. However, when I recall certain days that once produced great joy or other days that caused devastation, I am able to reminisce and reflect upon how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown, and how my faith along with different events, choices, and adventures have led me to where I am now. I celebrate these dates as they remind me to embrace the complexities of life by approaching each moment simply while choosing joy and kindness – which is fairly contrary to human nature, so it takes lots and lots of practice.

Today, my friends, choose joy – especially when it is a challenge to do so.